Jagiellonian University

• Application Home Page

• JU/CES Academic Calendar (2019-20) and other useful info

• Practical Info Guide

Now that you have been accepted by Illinois to study abroad at JU, you will need to complete the JU application. Below are some important notes about the process:

• • The Illinois study abroad office will take care of your letter of support and will forward your transcripts to JU.

  • Email the completed JU application directly to JU along with copies of supporting materials (your resume and a copy of the photo page from your passport)

  • Then mail the physical completed application to JU, along with the supporting materails (including the 2 passport photos) to this address:

    • • Centre for European Studies, Jagiellonian University, Garbarska 7A, 31-131 Krakow, Poland

Also note that within the pre-departure process:

• JU will help students obtain the necessary visa to study in Poland.

• The Illinois study abroad office will pay the JU tuition on your behalf and then bill your Illinois student account. You will pay for housing (e.g. JU residence halls) directly to JU when in Poland.

Fall 2020 Program Dates: tba

Spring 2021 Program Dates:

• Feb. 24 - June 14

• Exams: June 15-29

CES Staff can arrange to pick students up at the airport and get you to your on-campus housing.

Beginning 4-5 days before the first day of class, there are 2 days of (optional) integration events followed by a day of orientation.

All students enrolled in CES are guaranteed a place in Jagiellonian University residence halls. Students live in two and three-person rooms that are furnished. Living in the dorms is convenient and inexpensive. The dorms are located in the center of the city and are a short distance to class (10-15 minute walk). Residence halls also provide a good opportunity to meet other Polish and international students.

Although Jagiellonian is able to offer all students a spot in the residence halls, some choose to rent private flats while studying in Krakow. Living in a private flat allows you to control your environment more than you could in the residence halls, however, obtaining a temporary residence card may be more difficult if you live in a private flat. Private flats are also more expensive than the residence halls.

Instructions on applying/securing housing will be given to you by JU as you move forward with the application process.

JU will give you instructions on how to register for courses. Below are some resources for choosing courses

• • Spring 2020 list of courses

  • BOX folder with syllabi from Spring 2020 courses

  • Fall 2019 list of courses

  • Box folder with syllabi from Fall 2019 courses

Grade conversion scale: 6 ECTS at Jagiellonian = 3 credits at UIUC

Transcripts will be sent to Illinois automatically after the end of the program. However, the time for receipt and processing can take a few months. Be patient, and you can track to see when your transcript is received by the Office of the Registrar by when the digital copy is uploaded into your My Study Abroad documents.

CES organizes study trips so that students can experience the rich cultural life of Poland and Central and Eastern Europe and widen their knowledge of the political, economic, and social realities of the region. Short day and weekend trips are organized around Poland, while week-long excursions are arranged to countries such as the Baltic States, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia, among many others. Two week-long study trips are organized per year.

Jagiellonian offers a wide variety of student activities, including Student Council, European Students’ Forum, Young Diplomats’ Centre, Scientific Circles’ Council, European Youth Co-operation Centre, Polish Students’ Association, Choice, Independent Student Union, Folk Song and Dance Ensemble (Slowiaki), Sailing Club, Screenplay School, Tourist Club, and Sports Association Club.

There is a helpful staff waiting to support you in Krakow, including an Academic Coordinator, a Communications and Promotions Coordinator, and Study Trip Coordinator, not to mention staff members dedicated to helping you with housing and course registration.

Academics

• • The courses were structured like small group discussions with no more than 5 people in the class. They were generally meeting 3 days per week with one time being a lecture and the other two just discussions during which we were expected to present on various class-related topics.

  • There were a lot of classes offered in English by the Centre for European Studies at Jagiellonian; however, because I know Polish, I could also take courses in Polish taught by Polish professors. Taking two biology course in Polish was a bit challenging for me.

  • The education system is different than in the US. I only went to class for the whole semester but didn’t have to study until the very end when I was given assignments and final exams.

  • The courses were not that hard if you like public speaking.

Housing

• I recommend leaving behind all your ideas of a cushy living arrangements as the dorms weren't the nicest I've encountered, but it wasn't a problem for me personally.

• I lived in a student dorm with 2 other guys. The room/living space were small, but it was still fun. The name of the dorm was Nawojka and its location was in a part of the city – only about 15 mins by foot from classes and the main square.

• At only $100 a month, it’s hard to complain about the student dorm. Mine (Zaczek) was the only one with a thumping club on the main floor. Not recommended if you’re a light sleeper. Piast is ok, but far. Nawojka seems like the best choice.

General

• The people in charge of the program (at JU) were fantastic and any and all issues, questions, concerns were answered immediately and addressed appropriately.

• Polish students are very open, friendly and curious about foreign cultures. I had a blast meeting tons of Polish people. They are amazingly hospitable.